Leading the EC Way

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Leading the EC Way

Powered by People, Strengthened by Systems, Driven by Results

Leading the EC Way outlines the qualities we expect in strong leaders across our district. It is a framework designed to identify potential, develop growth, and empower leaders at every level.

The Holdsworth Partnership

East Central ISD is in the midst of a five-year partnership with The Holdsworth Center (2021–2026). Through this partnership, Holdsworth works side by side with our district to strengthen leadership at every level. The focus is on helping our central office build a deeper bench of leaders who are prepared for the challenges of school leadership.

About the Pillars

Powered by People

Competency: Builds Relationships
- Creates a safe and trusting environment where collaboration and continuous growth for all stakeholders prosper so that the best possible student outcomes can be achieved for the East Central Community.
  - Empathetic
    Presumes positive intent and understands that it takes multiple perspectives and points of view to achieve high-quality results.
  - Trustworthy
    Creates a safe environment where people, thoughts and ideas are welcomed, valued, and utilized to improve student achievement.
  - Builds Collaborative Partnerships
    Develops and promotes internal and external partnerships through personal relationships; solicits input and feedback.
  - Visible & Accessible
    Is present and approachable to the school community
Competency: Effective Communicator
- Listens and responds to stakeholders with emphatic, truthful, and transparent feedback, ensuring that all have the opportunity to embrace current practices geared to improve student outcomes for the East Central Community.
  - Active Listener
    Demonstrates that communication is two-way; listens to diverse perspectives and uses them to drive decision-making and produce desired results.
  - Preserves Confidentiality & Professionalism
    Protects information and maintains professionalism.
  - Transparent
    Is open, honest, and genuine in communications; communicates with no hidden agenda.
  - Clarity & Accuracy
    Provides clear and concise communications and expectations; responds consistently and accurately.
  - Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence
    Exhibits self-awareness and the ability to leverage and manage personal emotions, behaviors, and mindsets in positive ways with the school community.

Strengthened by Systems

Competency: Cultivates Culture
- Cultivates an inclusive and caring culture that embraces a sense of belonging, openness and endless possibilities for all stakeholders so that all students are provided with the best possible student outcomes for the East Central Community.
  - Humble & Authentic
    Coachable, and all actions are genuine, aligned, and build to the vision; models EC expectations.
  - Understands and Engages Community
    Recognizes, understands, and embraces the current culture prior to making changes; seeks stakeholder input.
  - Inclusive
    Brings the community together, creating opportunities for all to genuinely engage and participate.
  - Recognizes Success
    Celebrates staff, students, and community who model expectations and behaviors reflecting EC values.
  - Fosters Culture
    Develops a culture of safety, collective responsibility, and accountability.
Competency: Actualizes Compelling Vision
- Champions a purpose-driven, efficient, sustainable, student-centered vision through honest and consistent messaging that builds consensus that is focused on the best possible student outcomes for the East Central Community.
  - Develops Vision
    Assesses current and future needs, plans key action steps (short and long term), aligns implementation plans to the vision, efficiently and prompts sustainable success for all students.
  - Clearly Articulates Vision
    Communicates a clear vision (both the whole and parts), gets stakeholders engaged and excited; provides consistent and on-going communication.
  - Promotes Shared Ownership
    Brings stakeholders together to gather and utilize feedback to ensure all stakeholders are represented and connected to the execution of the vision.
  - Flexible
    Drives the evolution of the vision to meet the growth and ever-changing needs of the district and its stakeholders.
  - Institutionalizes Vision
    Utilizes skills, resources, motivators, and fidelity to achieve optimal implementation that is written, posted, and communicated.

Driven by Results

Competency: Continuous Growth
- Sets high standards, then develops, implements, and uses feedback to adapt and adjust efficient systems and structures leading to the best possible student outcomes for the East Central Community.
  - Growth Mindset
    Demonstrates growth as an ongoing, cyclical process; ensures that instructional practices implemented are current, effective, and relevant.
  - Data-informed
    Transparent in the use of multiple, purposeful data points and literature to inform practices; engages teams in solutions-driven discussions.
  - Coaches and Develops Others
    Identifies strengths, assists staff to see potential, provides actionable next steps and follows up to determine additional areas of support.
  - Seeks Feedback
    Seeks feedback and is self-reflective of mental models in an effort to improve practices; supports individual growth and development by providing regular feedback.
  - Provides Appropriate Support
    Ensures the efficient and appropriate allocation, support, and flexible use of resources to achieve goals with fidelity.
Impact Focused
- In order to achieve impact, attracts and retains high quality staff; develops their skills, and ensures all are continuously motivated to improve their performance and produce the best possible student and district outcomes.
  - Holds High Expectations
    Establishes and upholds performance expectations for all staff and programs; demonstrates a high level of accountability for self, others, & program results.
  - Sets and Meets Goals
    Establishes realistic and measurable short and midterm goals aligned to ECISD's vision and mission then empowers stakeholders to meet them.
  - Builds Capacity
    Provides opportunities for others to take on leadership responsibilities: fosters systems of shared leadership.
  - Monitors & Adjusts
    Monitors and adapts quickly and responsively; anticipates challenges and leverages effective problem-solving strategies.
  - Results Orientation
    Relentless focus; seeks to achieve results.

About the Program

Monthly Leadership Recognition

About the Holdsworth Partnership

Honoring Our Nominees and Champions

Leadership Definition & Behaviors

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